How to Pick the Best Travel Stroller
Whether you're seeking a stroller to use on your travels or you're looking for a lightweight, compact stroller to take on the go, there are plenty of great options. We've put them to the test to help you choose the best travel stroller for your needs.
A stroller with a light weight that is smooth and easy to drive across different terrains. It folds up into a tiny carrying bag that fits into the majority of overhead bins for airplanes.
Easy to Fold
The best strollers fold down into small, easy-to-store bags that can fit into overhead bins on planes and in car trunks. Choose models that feature a single-hand fold that can be done without any stooping or fumbling. Some models also come with a convenient carry strap that makes it easy to sling the stroller over your shoulder when you're not using it. If you plan to walk for a long time during your trip and need a stroller with an enormous basket under the seat can be useful. It can be used to store large bags for weekender bags or diaper bags.
The light Babyzen YoYo2 is the most compact stroller we tested, weighing only 13.7 pounds and fitting down aisles of airplanes or into overhead bins. It's also a bit smaller than other strollers and makes it easier to navigate crowds on streets in cities. It's not the best option for rough terrain or jogging, but it's perfect for city life and short excursions when you don't need to lug around a bigger stroller.
Nuna Aer+ is another lightweight alternative. It packs full-size features into a compact air-friendly design. It's compatible with both Nuna and Clek infant car seats (adapters are sold separately) It also has a large storage bin, and an effortless ride on uneven surfaces. It's more expensive than other strollers that we've tested, however it's well worth the cost for parents who often utilize their stroller for travel.
Some strollers provide the convenience of transport them, like the versatile Baby Jogger City Tour 2. This model is easy to maneuver and can be folded or unfolded with one hand. It is compatible with a variety of major car seat brands. The front wheel suspension, swivels, and swivel wheels provide smooth travel across pavements, airports, and cobblestones. The height of the handlebar can be adjusted to fit parents of all heights.
Contours make popular strollers less expensive for travelers. Their Itsy stroller weighs less than the lighter Pockit however it has a sturdy frame, dynamic dual-wheel suspension and a UPF 50+ sun canopy, and plenty of storage space. It also has a self-standing fold that's easy to collapse, and it comes with a convenient carry bag and carry strap.
Easy to Manoeuvre
You should choose a travel stroller that is easy to maneuver on all kinds of terrain. This is especially true in the event that you intend to use your stroller for hikes or other activities where you could encounter rough terrain. Choose a stroller that has an easy-to-use handlebar to use and wheels designed to grip the surface. It should be light and easy to carry so you can easily lift, carry, or store it.
The BabyZen Yoyo2 is a highly rated umbrella stroller made for travel. It's a good option for parents seeking an easy-to-use and high-quality product with features that many families would like in a stroller, including a compact fold and an extendable sun canopy.
It's a bit more difficult to push than some of the smaller travel strollers in our reviews, but it's able to withstand various terrains and is easy to turn. The GB Pockit is another highly-rated stroller. It's more expensive than other strollers that we reviewed, but it has a variety of features that parents want in a stroller. It has a simple-to-use handlebar that is easy to maneuver and is small enough to fit in the overhead bins on planes.
If you prefer a sleeker design, check out the Zoe Traveler. It's also the top-rated umbrella stroller, based on our reviews. It has a sleek and minimalist design which makes it appear like a backpack when folded. It's heavier than the GB Pockit, but it has more storage and earns the highest score for quality than other compact strollers we've evaluated.
The Doona is a fantastic stroller that is FAA approved (with the latch-base) and requires no setup. It's also durable and comfortable enough for multiple children. It's more expensive than other options, but it is constructed of top-quality materials. It also got a top rating in terms of ease-of-use. It also includes accessories, such as an umbrella read more and travel bag, which other brands make you buy separately.
Comfortable Seating
The best strollers for travel are designed to provide your child with an enjoyable ride. Look for models that are padded and with a spacious canopy. If you intend to use the stroller as a babysitter during your trip it is essential that they recline. Also, ensure that the seat is appropriate for the size of your child. Some strollers for travel are designed to be as compact and light as they can, but this can compromise the comfort of your child.
Luckily, there are plenty of options that offer both style and comfort. The Cybex Coya, for example, is a stylish stroller which is lightweight and sturdy. Its aluminum frame is built to last for a long time, and its antishock wheels and 5-point padded harness ensure a smooth ride. The Coya features an extensive canopy that offers the best sun protection.
Nuna TRVL is a different option. It is a sleek, innovative stroller designed to make traveling easy for children. It comes with a single-hand fold mechanism, and is light enough to fit into trunks of cars or overhead bins on planes. It is also available with a variety of accessories and customization options like sun canopies, weather shields and snack trays.
If you're in search of a travel stroller that doubles as a regular stroller look into the Uppababy G-Link 2. This large stroller is simple to maneuver and comes with many features parents enjoy such as cup holders, storage compartments, an easy buckle, and adjustable shoulder straps. The spacious seat reclines and it comes with a UPF50+ canopy with a peekaboo mesh window.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is a good choice for families who have infant car seats. This stroller is compatible with a variety of infant car seats. It's a great option for families that travel frequently. The compact fold and mobility of this stroller allows you to navigate large cities and airports.
A stroller for travel must be comfortable for you and your child. Choose a model that has a large, padded seat that can recline to allow naps during long trips. Legrests that are well-padded can provide a more comfortable ride. Choose a travel stroller that has a padded handle, so you can carry it when folded.
Convenient Storage
Unlike most strollers, many travel-friendly models have ultra-compact folds that make them ideal to fit into tight car trunks or crowded overhead bins. These strollers are often lighter than 10 pounds and simple to carry by anyone, including children.
The UPPAbaby Minu was among the first strollers that can be used as a regular stroller. It's still a popular choice for parents who are light packers and do not want their stroller to be checked at the gate when they travel. The stroller is IATA-certified and can be tucked away in the majority of overhead bins, and can be moved like a dream from the plane, and offers an array of innovative features (including folding with one hand, massive sunshade, a comfy seat with a multi-position recline, a spacious undercarriage basket, and a padded handlebar with a wrist strap and an easy, one-step foot brake).
For a budget-friendly model that still feels like a luxury stroller, check out the Kolcraft Cloud Plus. It is not the prettiest or the most compact in our review but it has an easy-to-use frame, and lots of innovative features, such as a reclining mechanism and a padded brake. There's also a huge basket under the carriage as well as the ability to fold it with one hand. It's also environmentally friendly and comes with recyclable packaging and comes with 10 years of warranty.
The Bugaboo Butterfly is another strong competitor, with its slim profile and many useful features. In our tests, it swung well over different surfaces including wood and shag carpet and its storage basket is large enough to fit in a backpack. The only drawback is that it's heavy (at 17 pounds) which means it might not fit into the overhead bins of smaller aircrafts.
If you don't have enough space to store your stroller, you might be interested in purchasing a bike shed. You can also create an area specifically for it. A garden shed, particularly, is a great place to store your stroller as it's weatherproof and protected from the elements. It is also easily accessible at any time you require it. A shed or nook could also be used as a secure location to store your stroller in the event that it is lost or stolen when you're out.